The FJ$12 beer will stay if the current taxes totaling 25% remains - Lockington

The CEO of the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association, Fantasha Lockington says some hotel and resort businesses are selling a bottle of beer for FJ$12 because they have to pay a total of 25% in tax to the government.

Lockington is hoping the tourism industry stakeholders, Tourism Fiji and the government work together on this matter.

Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum had said it is important that the tourism sector in Fiji recognizes what the government has announced as part of the Bula Bubble, and also look at the margins on things like beer.

However Fantasha Lockington says comparing Fiji with Bali is not right as those in Bali do not pay 25% in tax, they do not pay their workers the rates the Fiji tourism sector is paying and also do not have the level of regulatory compliance that Fiji has.

Lockington says the FJ$12 beer will stay if the current taxes totaling 25%remains.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has stated that while Australia and New Zealand are working out their Trans-Tasman Bubble, Fiji’s equal or arguably, greater and the success against the virus puts Fiji in a position to take the lead in the Pacific.

The Prime Minister says the Government is working on a Bula Bubble, between Fiji, New Zealand and Australia.

He says they are working with Fiji Airways and Tourism Fiji on the regulations of welcoming Aussies and Kiwis to holiday in Fiji in a manner that is carefully controlled and safely insulated.

He adds Australian and New Zealand tourists who want to visit Fiji will need to follow strict criteria where visitors will need to present a certificate from a recognised medical institution certifying their 14 days of quarantine in their home country, along with proof of a negative COVID test result within 48 hours of their departure for Fiji.

Bainimarama says the other option is upon arrival in Fiji, they can complete 14 days of quarantine at their own cost in a Fijian Government-designated quarantine centre or a hotel of their choosing, after which a negative COVID test can clear them to start their “Bula Bubble” vacation. He further says this Bula Bubble will allow Aussies and Kiwis to once again enjoy the best of Fiji while remaining separate from any other travellers and the general public.

The Prime Minister says they are currently identifying geographically-isolated resorts that are the best fit for the “Bula Bubble” and Fiji Airways, in collaboration with Tourism Fiji and the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport will announce more details in due course.